High street retailer Mark & Spencer is recruiting more than 1,300 extra part-time staff in Scotland to cope with the Christmas rush.

The push is part of the chains nationwide recruitment drive to employ approximately 20,000 seasonal employees across its 712 UK and Republic of Ireland stores.

In total M&S expects to take on 1,326 staff at its 45 Scottish stores, with the biggest intake at Braehead in Glasgow which is hiring more than 200 additional staff.

Steve Rowe, director of retail at M&S, said: The festive season is a really special time at M&S and last year we had over 29 million customers visit our stores in the week before Christmas.

Thats why were looking for friendly, motivated and enthusiastic employees to help our customers find everything they need to celebrate Christmas this year.

Applicants must be prepared to work a minimum of 16 hours a week, and may need to work in the evening, as well as weekends and Bank Holidays over the Christmas and New Year period.

Rowe added: We offer an excellent benefits package, and all our new recruits take part in a two-day induction training session so that they are fully-equipped to ensure our customers receive the best possible service.